Scripture

“Son of Man, turn and face Jerusalem and prophesy against Israel and her sanctuaries. Tell her, “This is what the Lord says: I am your enemy, O Israel.”

Observation

The Lord tells Ezekiel to prophesy against Israel. The Lord is now the enemy of Israel and he will unsheathe his sword against them.

A sword is being sharpened and polished to bring terrible slaughter.

Babylon’s king is standing at a crossroad. One road leads to Ammon, the other to Jerusalem. His advisors are studying all kinds of omens and signs to work out which way he should go. The king will choose Jerusalem because of the rebellion of the people of Israel.

The people of Ammon cannot be complacent. A sword is being sharpened to massacre them also.

Application

What a fearful thing it is for the people of God to find out that He has become their enemy,

What level of sin and rebellion can bring God’s chosen people to be declared His enemy?

Those who call themselves Christians can also become the enemy of God. If we ignore God’s calling to be holy and persist in flagrant and public sin, he will set himself against us.

They thought they were safe from God’s anger, but they were walking straight into judgment.

What a terrible state to be in!

Listen

Lord, what do you want to say to me about being your enemy?

Keith, my people had been warned numerous times by many prophets. They persisted in their sin because they believed they were untouchable,

I poured out my wrath, numerous times on the city of Jerusalem and on the nation of Israel. I wanted them to come back to me, but they would not,

When I sent my son Jesus, the choice became clear. Continue down the path of rebellion or receive the forgiveness of sins. They refused to accept Jesus as their King and so in AD 70 I lifted my hand of protection and the temple, the city and the nation were destroyed.